"We cannot loose even one inch of the territory left behind by our ancestors. What is other people's, we do not want at all," state television cited Xi Jinping as saying.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang reportedly evaded questions on Kim's visit and its purpose. Instead, he said that details of the visit will be released in a timely manner and according to a specific situation.

Presenting the medal, Xi congratulated Putin on winning the first Friendship Medal, and also expressed his respect and admiration for Putin's contribution and efforts to building a peaceful world, official media reported.

Analysts say North Korea has been hurt by tightening UN sanctions and would need Beijing's support for any softening of trade restrictions.

Over 1.5 million Chinese officials, including over 100 ministers, were punished in the massive anti-corruption drive carried out by Xi in the last five years which also enabled him to consolidate his power.

The son of Communist Party revolutionary and one-time deputy prime minister Xi Zhongxun, the younger Xi spent decades working his way up party and government ranks, but his consolidation of power since becoming head of the party in 2012 has been unprecedented.

In the course of next two weeks the China Peoples Political Consultative Conference, (CPPCC) an advisory body and the National Peoples Congress, (NPC) would meet to clear a broad agenda.

The ruling Communist Party on Sunday proposed to remove a constitutional clause limiting presidential service to just two terms in office, meaning Xi, who also heads the party and the military, might never have to retire

Xi Jinping also said China and Sri Lanka have achieved 'fruitful results' by their display of 'pragmatic cooperation' within the framework of the joint construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and Maritime Silk Road